Automatic by-pass control



AUTOMATIC BY-PASS CONTROL Filed Jan. 28, 1959 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 CF/ L INVENTOR. CL/FTON .s. M/uarr, J

March 14, 1961 s MALQTT JR 2,974,948

AUTOMATIC BY-PASS CONTROL Filed Jan. 28, 1959 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 oil uuyuuufihuwuuuuuuuuuuuu A BCD IN VEN TOR.

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ATTORNEYS AUTOMATIC BY-PASS CONTROL Clifton S. Malott, Jr., 'Silverton, Ohio, 'assignor, by mesne assignments, to McGraw-Edison Company, a corporation of Delaware Filed Jan. 28, 1959, Ser. No. 789,659

28 Claims. (Cl. 270-81) This invention relates to laundry fiatwork folding machines, and particularly to machines wherein the articles are advanced by conveyor means such as endless ribbons or the like, towards and past a folding zone.

As is well known in the commercial laundry ant it is desirable to provide folding machines which will automatically handle the folding of a variety of differently sized articles, folding the larger articles appropriately in accordance with their respective sizes, and by-passing the small articles past the folding zone without operating the folding means. In a commercial laundry a common arrangement comprises the assembly of three cooperating units, namely, in logical succession, a flatwork ironer, a folder, and a stacker, and it may be convenient to pass articles of various sizes in haphazard order into the ironer and thence through the folder and stacker. While the present control is usable with a three unit assembly of the type indicated, its use is not limited thereto, and it is applicable to any flatwork conveying system Where articles of assorted sizes are to be automatically directed into appropriate selected channels for any' desired disposition.

An object of the invention is to provide a multi-lane folding machine having novel and improved by-pass control means automatically responsive to flatwork article width.

A further object of the invention is to provide a multilane folding machine conveyor wherein by-pass control means is provided, said means being automatically responsive to a series of sensing devices disposed at transversely spaced points on the conveyor, and wherein the folding means is either by-passed or operated depending on which one or more of the sensing devices is intercepted by the leading edge of each succeeding article.

A further object of the invention is to provide a multilane folding machine conveyor wherein by-pass control means is provided, adapted to permit an article, overlying one lane only, to be bypassed without operation of the folding means registrable with said lane, but adapted to cause said folding means to be operated to fold an article which simultaneously overlaps parts of two or more adjacent lanes.

Other objects and advantages will be apparent from a study of the following description of one embodiment of the invention, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic showing of electrical and pneumatic components of the by-pass control.

Figure 2 is a partial plan view of the top conveyor of a folder, with by-pass device, showing the disposition of the detecting fingers and switches.

Figure 3 is a partial view, in section, showing the bypass and sensing devices, the by-pass member being shown in the down or by-passing position.

Figure 4 shows this member in the up position.

Figures 5 and 6 diagrammatically indicate a type of machine wherein by-passing has application, Figure 5 showing a folding device and a stacking device, and Fig ure 6 indicating, in plan, the separate folding blades of a two-lane machine and the subdivided stackers utilizable beyond the by-pass.

The control is arranged for use in a two-lane folder, which includes two folding blades mounted side by side, operatable either separately or coupled. The by-pass member, therefore, is likewise in two halves, operatable separately or as a unit. Each by-pass member has its own control section, and such a section or unit can be adapted for use on a single lane machine or on a three or a four lane machine. The machine can be made available in any of these lane types, although at present the preferred model is the two lane arrangement here disclosed.

The by-pass member may be of any suitable type. Some devices have utilized wire fingers, one such being shown in Malott US. Patent No. 2,510,185. The present design is a one piece, solid or continuous member 10L or 10R having a smooth arcuate front surface and a smooth flat top. In down (or by-pass) position, the member has its thin forward edge in light contact with roll portions 11a that project between the belts 12 on conveyor roll 11. In this position of the by-pass, articles slide across onto conveyor 13. With the by-pass member swung up (Figure 4) the arcuate face guides the article around onto conveyor 14. The two members 10L, 10R are suitably supported for independent pivoting, such as by free mounting on shaft 15 supported in side frames 16. Each member has an operating means, small air cylinder motor 17L, 17R, respectively. When the motor is not energized, an internal spring 18 holds the piston retracted and the by-pass member tipped back, as in Figure 4, to non-by-pass position. The piston rod connects to a bracket or lever 19 on the end of each by-pass member, an extension thereof being utilized to operate position switches 28L and R, and 29L and R.

Operating air for motors 17 comes from a slide type valve 20L, 20R of the control, Figure 1. The spool-like sealing members of the valves are not loosely fitted, but have rubber sealing rings or the like in ordinary commercial designs. The valves are solenoid-operated in response to an article approaching the by-pass point and operating various detecting switches. The switches are mounted on supporting plates 21, and one, CF2, on a short central plate 21a beyond the others, and with the plates secured to a pair of cross supports 22 mounted on the side frames, to thus hold the sensing unit'above the conveyor. A switch operator is pivotally mounted on each plate 21 and consists of a pivot or bearing part 23a, adjustable actuator screw (or screws), 23b, and a finger 23c. The latter extends down between the conveyor belts and through a cut-out 24a in belt support plate 24. A short, narrow extension 24]) is provided at the position of the rear central switch 0P2. A small spring 25 connected between the operator and the mounting plate normally causes the switch to be held depressed, and when a passing article pivots the operator counterclockwise the switch is permitted to move to its normal position. In other words, and referring also to Figure 1, these sensing switches are of the normally closed type, but are held open until an article passes. It will be'understood that the switches could be normally open, and positioned to be contacted and closed by the operator screw when an article came along. Note that position switches 28, 29 are of the normally open type, but the same arrangement could be used here also.

Figure 1 shows the condition of the various control parts when the two by-pass members 10L, 10R are'down, i.e., in the by-passing position of Figure 3, and no articles are passing the sensing switches. The air motors 17L, 17R are energized, being in communication with a source of air by way of pipe 26 and valve 20. Note Patented Mar. 14, 1961 3 that the solenoid 27 (L and R), which has pulled the valve to this position is not now energized, its circuit being open at position switch 28 (L and R), the lever extension 19a (L and R), having moved away from switch 28 and into contact with switch 29 when the bypass member swung to its down position. The opposite solenoid 30L, 30R is likewise not energized the circuit being open at another point. The valve remains in whatever position it happens to have been left in, being of the stay put type. Relays CR1, CR2 and CR3 are also not energized.

The control and by-pass is in this by-passing condition as the result of the passage of narrow articles in both lanes. There are four detecting means for narrow pieces. These may be identified as S1, S2, S3 and S4. Each consists of a pair of switches mounted side by side and operatable by individual actuator screws 23b, substantially simultaneously by reason of single finger 23c. All of the other detecting points use single switches. The switches of these pairs are designated as Sla, 81b; 52a, 8%; etc., Figure 1. If either S1 or S2 but not both is actuated by a narrow article it causes by-pass member 10L to be swung down as in Figure 3. Similarly, actuation of either S3.or S4 but not both causes the by-pass 10R to be swung down. This has occurred, and put the parts in the condition shown in Figures 1 and 3. As long as narrow articles continue to come through, no change occurs in any of the control or bypass parts. The sensing switches are operated but with no effect since the circuits to valve solenoids 27L, 27R are respectively open at position switches 28L, 28R.

-It will be observed that each of the two lanes, i.e., the right and the left half of the machine, is, in effect, also subdivided into two halves, giving paths A and B in the left lane and paths C and D in the right lane. Articles are fed in the proper path to eifect the desired result. While the feeding could be directly into the folder, in practice the work is fed into a fiatwork ironer ahead of the folder, with paths suitably indicated. If, for example, there is a group of small pieces that are not to be folded, these are fed by one or both operators to paths A and B and/or paths C and D, so that detectors S1, S2, S3, and S4, will be operated by respective articles. Such articles must be within the respective path limits. Note that between paths A and B, and between paths C and D there is what may be termed a fold control detector. This is designated as F1 and FR respectively. They are slightly in advance of the detectors S1, S2, S3, S4. When FL or FR is operated it causes the respective by-pass 10L, 10R, to open, Figure 4, directing the article down to the folding apparatus via conveyor 14. In, say, the left lane of the folder, if an article comes through that is wider than one of the paths A or B, it will operate FL. Similarly, on the right hand side, FR will be operated. The two lanes of the machine can thus be independently handling a variety of work, fed by two operators.

At the center, between the left and right lanes, is a fold control detector for articles wider than half the conveyor width. The detector proper, CFI, is positioned slightly ahead of the plane of FL, PR, and elfects movement of both 10L and 10R to the up" or open position. Detector CF2 is just beyond the line of detectors S1-S4 and acts as a means for maintaining the electrical condition of the control set up by CFl until the trailing edge of the sheet passes.

Switches 31 and 32 are provided to allow either or both lanes, i.e., left and right halves, to be set for folding only if desired. Ordinarily these gang switches will be in the automatic position, as in Figure 1, but by throwing the switch to its other position the by-pass member of that lane will be moved to its up position and the control circuits disabled in that lane, plus the central detector CF1, CF2. This is convenient in some cases when a group of pieces are all to be folded, as it eliminates the continued operation of one of the control relays and it permits side-by-side feeding without regard to path position. The control system and lane arrangement as a whole affords versatility in the handling of various classifications of work. It is particularly useful with indiivdual family flatwork bundles, since the various possible combinations of lanes, with automatic or fixed selection, permits any preferred system of feeding, size grouping etc.

Starting now with the lanes in by-pass condition, Figure l, and considering the left-hand lane; an article comes along of a width such that it overlaps paths A and B. The leading edge therefore operates detector FL, causing this switch to close. A circuit is thereby completed from L1 lines 33, 34, switch contact 310, line 35, normally closed relay contact CRZa, lines 36, 37, switch FL, lines 38, 39, switch contact 31a, line 40, relay coil CR1, and lines 41, 42, 43 to L2, thereby energizing relay CR1.

Closing of relay contact CRlc completes a circuit from L1, lines 33, 34, switch contact 31c, line 35, NC. contact CR2a, lines 36, 44, relay contact CRlc, lines 45, 46, 47, 48, solenoid 30L, line 49, switch 29L, and lines 42, 43 to L2. Solenoid 30L operates air valve 20L to its other position, cutting off the air supply to pipe 26L and by-pass operator cylinder 17L. Spring 18 retracts the piston rod, swinging member 10L up to nonby-pass position. As this happens, the lever extension 19a releases switch 29L, which opens, breaking the circuit to solenoid 30L. This has no etfect as before noted, the air valve remaining in its cut-otf position.

When switch 29L opens, switch 28L is closed by lever extension 19a. This does not energize solenoid 27L, however. Its circuit includes the normally-closed contact CRla, and this is open while the relay is energized, which is during the passage of the article over detectors F1, S1 and/or S2. As noted in last preceding paragraph, switch FL initially energized relay CR1. When the trailing edge of the article leaves FL, the article will be in contact with either S1, S2, or both. These do not energize solenoid 27L and shift the by-pass, however, because switch Sla of the S1 pair (and/or parallel S2a), holds the circuit to relay CR1 after the switch FL opens. With CR1 energized, normally-closed relay contact CRM is open, and this contact is part of the circuit for solenoid 27L. Thus, energization of this solenoid and consequent shifting back to by-passing condition is prevented, even though by-pass switch Slb (and/or S2b), will be closed at this time, being simultaneously operated with Sla or 82a of its respective detector.

The above-mentioned circuit by which Sla and/or S2a holds relay CR1 energized is as follows: When Sla or S2a (or both), is closed by the leading edge of the article, said article is still passing FL, with relay CR1 thereby energized by the circuit above identified. A shunt circuit is now closed through, say, Sla (Sla and 82a are in parallel) as follows: L lines 33 and 34, switch contact 310, line 35, normally closed relay contact CR2a, lines 36 and 44, contact CRlc, lines 45 and 46, contact CRlb, lines 50 and 51, switch Sla, lines 52 and 39, switch contact 31a, line 40, relay coil CR1, and lines 41, 42 and 43 to L Thus, Sla keeps relay CR1 operated after the trailing edge of the article leaves FL. As pointed out above, operation of switch Slb would energize solenoid 27L to shift the by-pass if relay CR1 were not energized. So, since Sla, Slb are a simultaneously operated pair, S1a renders Slb ineffective. When the trailing edge leaves S1, the circuit to relay CR1 is broken at Sla, but at the same time Slb opens, so the by-pass stays in its up position. If the following piece also contacts FL, relay CR1 is again energized while the article is passing, but with no effect-position switch 29L being open.

A narrow article now comes along, missing FL. Assume that it is in path A and operates switch S1. S2 could be operated with the same effect, the respective switches of the two detectors being in parallel. Closing of switch Slb completes the following circuit: from L through lines 33 and 34, switch contact 31c, line 35, normally closed contact CRZa, line 36, normally closed contact CRla, line 53, switch Slb, lines 54 and 55, solenoid 27L, line 56, position switch 28L, and lines 42 and 43 to L Solenoid 27L operates the air valve back to the Figure 1 position, admitting air to cylinder 17L, swinging blade L down to by-passing position. This opens position switch 28L, de-energizing the solenoid, the valve remaining in position. It will have been noticed that when switch S is operated but not switch FL, switch Slb is effective and switch Sla is ineffective. Switch Sla cannot initially energize relay CR1, it can only maintain it; and when CR1 is not energized, switch Slb can complete its circuit via normally closed relay contact CRla. Narrow pieces that follow merely operate the detector switch S1 (or S2), without effect.

Before describing the operation of the two by-pass halves by CF1, the right hand circuits will be identified. These are similar to those just traced. Starting again with the control as in Figure 1, the member 10R being in down or by-passing position-an article comes along in say, path C, at least partly overlapping path D. The article first closes switch FR, energizing the following circuit: from L through lines 33 and 34, switch contact 32c, line 57, normally closed relay contact -CR2e, lines 58 and 59, switch FR, line 60, switch contact 32b, line 61, relay coil CR3, and lines 62, 42 and 43 to L Closing of CR3 closes the following circuit: from L lines 33 and 34, switch contact 320, line 57, contact CR2e, line 58, relay contact CR3b, lines 63 and 64-, solenoid 30R, line 65, position switch 29R, and lines 42 and 43 to L The solenoid shifts valve R, cutting off air to cylinder 17R, whereupon spring 18 retracts the piston and swings the bypass member 10R to up, non-by-passing position. This opens switch 29R, de-energizing solenoid 30R, and the switch 28R is moved to closed position. During passage of the article, relay CR3 was kept energized by switch 53a after the article left switch FR. This circuit is from L through lines 33 and 34, switch 320, line 57, contact CR2e, line 58, contact CR3b, lines 63 and 66, contact CR3c, lines 67 and 68, switch S3a, lines 69 and 60, switch 321;, line 61, coil CR3, and lines 62, 42 and '43 to 1 A small piece in, say, path D comes along, missing switch FR. This shifts the by-pass as follows: from L through lines 33 and 34, switch 320, line 57, contact CR2e, lines 58 and 70, normally closed contact CR3a, lines 71 and 72, switch S412, lines 73 and 74, solenoid 27R, line 75, position switch 28R, and lines 42 and 43 to L Solenoid 27R shifts the valve back to the position of Figure 1, energizing cylinder 17R, and moving by-pass member 10R down to by-pass position. This opens switch 28R, -de-energizing solenoid 27R, and switch 29R is closed, but without any effect.

Assume that both by-pass members are down, i.e., in by-passing position. A wide article, such as a sheet, comes along and contacts advance central switch CFl. This completes a circuit as follows: from L through lines 33 and 34, switch 3117, line 76, switch 32a, lines 77 and 78, switch CFl, line 79, relay coil CR2, and lines 80, 42 and 43 to L Closing of relay CR2 completes a circuit to solenoids 30L and 30R as follows: L lines 33 and 34, switch 31b, line 76, switch 32a, line 77, relay contact CR2d, lines 81, 82 and 33, contact CRZc, lines 46, 47 and 48, solenoid 30L, line 49, switch 29L, and lines 42 and 43 to L The circuit for the right side is the same up to line 82. The circuit goes from there to contact CR2b, lines 66, 63 and 64, solenoid 30R, line 65, switch 29R, and lines 42 and 43 to L Both valves thus shift, effecting up swing of the two by-pass members.

This energizing of relay CR2 renders all of the detectors in the four paths ineffective, by reason of the opening of normally-closed contacts CRZa and CR2e. The circuits to all of these detector switches include one or the other of these two contacts, as will have been noticed. It is necessary to maintain this condition of the control while the workpiece clears the detecting zone after the trailing edge leaves CFI. This is accomplished by switch CF2, which closes a shunt circuit to relay coil CR2, as follows: from L through lines 33 and 34, switch 31b, line 76, switch 32a, line 77, relay contacts 'CR2d, line 81, switch CF2, lines 84 and 79, coil CR2, and lines 80, 42 and 43 to L Upon passage of the trailing edge, relay CR2 re-opens, and all detectors are again in normally effective condition. Both by-pass members, of course, remain in the up position in which they were left.

As previously mentioned, switches 31 and 32 are provided respectively for the left and the right halves or lanes, to permit either or both sides to be set to prevent automatic selection and keep the by-pass member in up position regardless of what kind of articles come along. Both switches and circuits are similar. When the left hand switch 31 is moved to its other position, its contacts a, b, and c, are opened and d is closed. Contact 310 is in the circuit to all of the detectors in paths A and B, so its opening renders them ineffective. Opening of contact 31a cuts out relay coil CR1. Closing of contact 31d directly closes a circuit to solenoid 30L, going from L through lines 33, 34, 31a, and lines 47' and 48 to the solenoid 30L, and thence by line 49, position switch 29L, and lines 42 and 43 to L This swings up bypass 10L, if it was not already up. The central detector CFI, C1 2 is also cut out, since its circuit includes contact 311), which is now open. Similarly, on the right side, the shifting of switch 32 to its other position renders all detectors in paths C and D ineffective, since all their circuits include contact 32c. Contact 32b cuts out relay coils CR3. Closing of contact 32d directly energizes solenoid 30R the circuit going from L through lines 33 and 34, contact 32d, and line 64 to the solenoid 30R and thence by line 65, position switch 29R, and lines 42 and 43 to L This raises by-pass 10R, if not already up. Contact 32a being open, the circuit to central detector CPI, CF2 is broken.

Figures 5 and 6 indicate the general organization of elements in a folding machine of the two lane type, and also a set of stacking devices which may be associated therewith. In the case of a folder only, the rear conveyor 13 could be replaced by a slide plate to route the by-passed article down to the delivery table. When one or both of the b-y-pass members are open, i.e., up, the article goes down along the various conveyors, 14 etc., past the usual proportional measuring devices, and is folded by one or both of the blades 86, operated by means such as motor 87.

When the machine is also equipped for stacking, there are normally a number of the devices. The disclosed two-lane fold, four path stack is one convenient relationship. The stacking devices 88 may be the type shown, wherein a pivoted plate is reciprocable by means such as air motor 89 to-stack or drape the articles over a fixed bar 90. Another type of stacker reverses this method, keeping the feeding point fixed and reciprocating the bar. In either form, suitably arranged detectors control the operation of each stacker mechanism.

It may have been observed that the entire group of detectors for this by-pass control is close to the by-pass point. The distance, in the direction of travel, between the line of detectors 81-84 and the by-pass point, for smaller pieces, or between detector CF2 and the by-pass point in the case of wide articles, is only a few inches. Thus, taking into account conveyor speed and operational lag of the by-pass, articles can follow each other with normally close spacing without running the risk of having a following piece cause premature shifting of the by-pass member.

It will now be apparent that I have provided by-pass means for automatically diverting articles of different widths to respectively predetermined paths as they move past a sensing zone towards an operating zone. A plurality of sensing elements are disposed at appropriate points across the path of travel of the articles so as to be intercepted (or not) by the article as it moves forward. The by-pass means is usable in any conveyor system having two or more definable travelling lanes. Articles on one lane only are by-passed without inducing an operation in the operating zone or plane. Articles having an overlap on two or more lanes intercept one or more of the sensing elements to activate the operating means since the sensing means is disposed between lanes. In a plurality of operating lanes each has its own operating means and control therefor. The automatic control may be overriden, when desired, by the use of a manual operator-operated manual switch. The control herein provided has a versatility and usefulness not heretofore achieved, as far as I am aware.

In the appended claims the term conveyor will be used generally to define the full width of the complete assembly of endless belts or ribbons which move in a common planar path to and through a sensing zone in which most of the described switches are located for interception by the leading edges of the articles. This path extends past the by-pass members, beyond which the various'articles proceed in two possible routes as determined by the position of one or other or both of said by-pass members. The term lane is applied to a subdivision of the conveyor, two such lanes being herein disclosed, although it is possible to provide more than two, each with its respective by-pass member. The term course" will be applied to a subdivision of a lane, four such courses being herein disclosed, and identified by the bracketed portions A, B, C, and D of Fig. 2.

What is claimed is:

1. In apparatus of the type described for performing an operation on a moving article as it passes an operating zone, automatic control means for the selection of articles for an operation, and the rejection of other articles, dependent on article width, including conveying means for advancing the articles in a path of travel past said operating zone, a by-pass member in said path upstream from said operating zone and disposed to intercept and guide the leading edge of the moving article, and adapted, when moved in a first, operating direction, to guide the article through said operating zone and, when moved in a second, by-pass direction, to cause the article to by-pass said operating zone, said conveying means including a pair of lanes lying side by side, each lane adapted to carry an article not exceeding in width the width of the lane, and both lanes being adapted to cooperate in carrying any article having an overlap on each lane, a sensing zone on said path of travel upstream from said by-pass member, a motor means effective on said by-pass means whereby to move it in one said direction or the other, and sensing means between the two said lanes in said sensing zone and adapted to be intercepted by the leading portion of any article overlying a portion of each said lane, said motor means being operatively responsive to such interception whereby to move said by-pass means in said first direction, said sensing zone being disposed so closely adjacent to said by-pass member that the control of normally-spaced articles following each other in immediate sequence is elfected without mutual interference.

2. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein manually operatable override means is provided for rendering said sensing means ineffective and for rendering said motor means operatively responsive to manual operation of said override means by an operator.

3. In apparatus of the type described for folding flexible flatwork laundry articles as they move past a folding zone, automatic control means for the selection of certain of the articles for folding, and for by-passing other articles, including a conveyor for advancing the articles along a path past said folding zone, a bypass member in said path upstream from said folding zone and disposed to intercept and guide the leading edge of the moving article, and adapted, when moved in one direction, to route an article into said folding zone and, when moved in a second direction, to by-pass said article past said folding zone, said conveyor including a pair of lanes extending side by side, each lane being adapted to carry an article not wider than the width of the lane, and both lanes being adapted to cooperate in carrying an article having an overlap on each lane, a sensing zone in said path of travel upstream from said bypass member, a motor operatively connected to said by-pass member whereby to move it to operating or to by-passing position, and sensing means disposed between the two said lanes in said sensing zone and adapted to be intercepted by the leading edge of any article overlying a portion of each said lane, said motor being operatively responsive to such interception whereby to move said by-pass member to operating position whereby to prevent bypassing of said article, said sensing zone being disposed so closely adjacent to said by-pass member that the control of normally-spaced articles following each other in immediate sequence is effected without mutual interference.

4. Folding apparatus as defined in claim 3 wherein manually operatable override means is provided for rendering said sensing means ineffective, and for rendering said motor operatively responsive to manual operation of said override means by an operator.

5. In apparatus of the type described for folding flexible fiatwork laundry articles as they move past a folding zone, automatic control means for the selection of certain of the articles for folding, and for by-passing other articles, including a conveyor for advancing the articles along a path past said folding zone, said conveyor including a first lane and a second lane extending side by side, a pair of by-pass members in said path upstream from said folding zone and disposed to intercept and guide the leading edge of the moving article, said by-pass member being disposed transversely in end to end alignment and consisting of a first by-pass member extending across the first lane and a second by-pass member extending across the second lane, said by-pass members being mounted for movement into or out of said path of travel whereby, when either is moved out of its said lane, it permits an article to pass on that lane into said folding zone, and, when either is moved into said path, it causes an article on that path to be by-passed out of and away from said folding zone, each lane being adapted to carry an article not wider than the width of said lane, and both lanes being adapted to simultaneously cooperate in carrying any article having an overlap on both lanes, a sensing zone in said path upstream from said by-pass members, a first motor operatively connected to said first by-pass member to produce movement thereof when the first motor is energized, a second motor operatively connected to said second'by-pass member to produce movement thereof when said second motor is energized, and sensing means disposed between said lanes in said sensing zone, and adapted to be intercepted by the leading edge of any article overlying a portion of each said lane, both said motors being operated responsive to such interception whereby to simultaneously move both said by-pass members out of said path whereby to permit the article to move into said folding zone.

6. In apparatus of the type described for folding flexible flatwork laundry articles as they move past a folding zone, automatic control means for the selection of certain of the articles for folding, and for bypassing other articles, including a conveyor for advancing the articles along a path past said folding zone, said conveyor including a first lane and a second lane extending side by side, a pair of by-pass members in said path upstream from said folding zone and disposed transversely in end to end alignment and consisting of a first by-pass member extending across the first lane and a second by-pass member extending across the second lane, said by-pass members being mounted for movement into or out of said path whereby, when either by-pass member is moved out of its lane, to permit an article to pass on that lane into said folding zone, and when either by-pass member is moved into its lane, to cause an article on that lane to be by-passed away from said folding zone, each lane being adapted to carry an article not wider than the width of said lane, and both lanes being adapted to simultaneously cooperate in carrying any article having an overlap on both lanes, a sensing zone in said path upstream from said by-pass members, first motor means operatively connected to said first by-pass member to produce movement thereof when the first motor means is energized, second motor means operatively connected to said second by-pass member to produce movement thereof when said second motor means is energized, a first sensing means disposed between said lanes in said sensing zone, and adapted to be operatively intercepted by the leading edge of any article overlying a portion of each said lane, both said motor means being operated responsive to such interception whereby to simultaneously move both said by-pass members out of said path and to permit the article overlying a portion of both said lanes to move into said folding zone, the first said lane being subdivided into a first and a second course travelling side by side, each said course being adapted to carry an article not wider than the width of said course, and both said courses being adapted to cooperate in carrying an article having a portion thereof overlying at least a portion of each said course, a second sensing means disposed in said path between said first and second courses, and adapted to be intercepted by the leading edge of any article overlying a portion of each said course, the first said motor means being operatively responsive to such last named interception whereby to move said first by-pass member out of said path to permit the last named article to move into said folding zone even when said first named sensing means between said lanes is not intercepted.

7. Folding apparatus of the type defined in claim 6 wherein manually operable override means is provided for rendering the first and second sensing means ineffective, and for rendering said first motor means operatively responsive to operation of the override means by an operator to move said first by-pass member out of said path when desired.

8. Folding apparatus of the type defined in claim 6 wherein a third and a fourth sensing means are provided respectively within said first and second second courses and each adapted to be intercepted respectively by an article travelling in its course and not wider than the width of the course in which it travels, either of said third and fourth sensing means being effective upon said first motor means whereby to move said first by-pass member into said path to cause said last named article to bypass said folding zone.

9. In apparatus of the type described for folding flexible flatwork laundry articles as they move past a folding zone, automatic control means for the selection of certain of the articles for folding, and for by-passing other articles, including a conveyor for advancing the articles along a path past said folding zone, said conveyor including a first lane and a second lane extending side by side, a pair of by-pass members in said path upstream from said folding zone and disposed transversely in end to end alignment and consisting of a first by-pass member extending across the first lane and a second by-pass member extending across the second lane, said by-pass members being mounted for movement into or out of said path, whereby, when either by-pass member is moved out of its lane, to permit an article to pass on that lane into said folding zone and, when either by-pass member is moved into said path, to cause an article on that path to be bypassed away from said folding zone, each lane being adapted to carry an article not wider than the width of said lane, and both lanes being adapted to simultaneously I cooperate in carrying any article having an overlap on both lanes, a sensing zone in said path upstream from said by-pass member, a first motor operatively connected to said first by-pass member to produce movement thereof when the said first motor is energized, a second motor operatively connected to said second by-pass member to produce movement thereof when said second motor is energized, a first switch disposed between said lanes in said sensing zone, and adapted to be operatively intercepted by the leading edge of any article overlying a portion of each said lane, and being operatively responsive to such interception so as to simultaneously move both said by-pass members out of by-passing positions to permit the article overlying a portion of both said lanes to move into said folding zone, the first said lane being subdivided into a first course and a second course, travelling side by side, each said course being adapted to carry an article not wider than the width of its course, and both said courses being adapted to cooperate in carrying an article having portions thereof overlying at least a portion of each of said course, a second switch disposed in said path between said first and second courses, and adapted to be operatively intercepted by the leading edge of any article overlying portions of each said course, the first said motor being operatively responsive to intercep tion of said second switch whereby to move said first bypass member out of by-passing position to permit the last said article to move into said folding zone even when said first switch between said lanes is not intercepted.

10. Folding apparatus of the type defined in claim 9 including, in combination therewith a manually operatable override switch for rendering said first and second switches ineffective, and for rendering said first motor operatively responsive to operation of said override switch by an operator whereby to move said first by-pass member out of by-passing position when desired.

11. Folding apparatus of the type defined inclaim 9 including, in combination therewith, a first and a second manually operatable override switch effective respectively on said first and second motors for rendering said motors responsive to operation of said override switch by an operator whereby to respectively move said first and second motors out of by-passing position, when desired.

12. Folding apparatus of the type defined in claim 9 wherein a third and a fourth sensing switch are provided respectively within said first and said second courses, each adapted to be intercepted respectively by an article travelling in its course, said last named article being not wider than the Width of the course in which it travels, either of said third and fourth sensing switches being effective on said first motor means whereby to move said first by-pass member into by-passing position when said first or second switches are not operated.

13. A folding apparatus of the type defined in claim 9 wherein said second lane is subdivided into a third and a fourth course travelling side by side, each said course being adapted to carry an article not Wider than the width of its course and said third and fourth courses being adapted to cooperate incarrying an article having a portion thereof overlying at least a portion of each said course, a third switch disposed in said path between said third and fourth courses, and adapted to be intercepted by the leading edge of any article overlying at least a portion of each of said third and fourth courses, the second said motor being operatively responsive to interception of said third switch whereby to move said second by-pa'ss member out of by-passing position to permit the last said article to move into said folding zone even when said first switch is not intercepted.

14. Folding apparatus of the type defined in claim 13 wherein a fourth and a fifth sensing switch are provided respectively within said third and fourth courses respectively, each adapted to be intercepted respectively by an article travelling in its course, said last named article being not wider than the width of the course in which it travels, either of said fourth and fifth sensing switches being effective on said second motor means whereby to move said second by-pass member into by-passing position when said first and third switches are not operated.

15. In apparatus of the type described for folding flexible fiatwork laundry articles as they move past a folding zone, automatic control means for the selection of certainof the articles for folding, and for by-passing other articles, including a conveyor for advancing the articles along a path past said folding zone, said conveyor including a first lane and a second lane extending side by side, a pair of by-pass members in said path upstream from said folding zone and disposed transversely in end to end alignment and consisting of a first by-pass member 'extending across the first lane and a second by-pass member extending across the second lane, said by-pass members being mounted for movement into or out of said path whereby, when either by-pass member is moved out of its lane, to permit an article to pass on that lane into said folding zone, and, when either by-pass member is moved into said path, to cause an article on that lane to be by-passed away from said folding zone, each lane being adapted to carry an article not wider than the width of the lane, and both lanes being adapted to simultaneously cooperate in carrying any article having an overlap on both lanes, a sensing zone in said path upstream from said by-pass members, a first motor operatively connected to said first by-pass member to produce movement thereof when the first motor means is energized, a second motor operatively connected to said second by-pass member to produce movement thereof when said second motor is energized, a first sensing switch disposed between said lanes in said sensing zone, and adapted to be operatively intercepted by the leading edge of any article overlying a portion of each said lane, both said motors being operatively responsive to such interception so as to simultaneously move both said by-pass members out of by-passing position to permit the article overlying a portion of both said lanes to move into said folding zone, the first said lane being subdivided into a first and a second course, the second said lane being subdivided into a third and a fourth course, all said courses travelling in a plane, side by side, each said course being adapted to carry an article not wider than the width of its course, and each pair of courses in a lane being adapted to cooperate in carrying an article having portions thereof overlying at least a portion of courses of each said pair, a second sensing switch disposed in said path between said first and second courses and adapted to be operatively intercepted by the leading edge of any article overlying at least a portion of each of said first and second courses, a third sensing switch disposed in said path between said third and fourth courses and adapted to be intercepted by the leading edge of any article overlying at least a portion of each of said third and fourth courses, the first said motor being operatively responsive to interception of said second sensing switch whereby to move said first by-pass member out of bypassing position, the second said motor being operatively responsive to interception of said third sensing switch whereby to move said second by-pass member out of bypassing position, said first, second, third and fourth courses each having one of respective first, second, third and fourth individual course switches, said first and second individual course switches being independently effective on said first motor, as long as said first and second sensing switches are not intercepted, to move said first by-pass member to by-passing position, said third and fourth individual course switches being independently effective on said second motor, as long as said first and third sensing switches are not intercepted to move said second by-pass member to by-passing position.

16. Folding means as defined in claim 15 including, in combination therewith, manually operatable first and second override switches said first override switch being 12 operatively effective to render said first and second sensing switches ineffective and to render said first motor operatively responsive to operation of said first override switch by an operator whereby to move said first by-pass member out of by-passing position, and said second override switch being operatively effective to render said first and third sensing switches ineffective and to render said second motor operatively responsive to operation of said second override switch by an operator whereby to move said second by-pass member out of by-passing position.

17. Folding apparatus as defined in claim 15 wherein a maintaining switch is provided in said path between said lanes, and between said first sensing switch and the bypass members, said maintaining switch being adapted to be intercepted by the leading edge of an article having an overlap on both said lanes and being opertaively effective on both said motors to maintain both said by-pass members in the position established by interception of the first sensing switch as long as said maintaining switch remains intercepted during travel of the last said article past said maintaining switch.

18. Apparatus as defined in claim 15 wherein said four individual course switches are aligned in a transverse zone which is located closely adjacent to the transverse plane of said by-pass members.

19. Apparatus as defined in claim 15 wherein said sec ond and third sensing switches and said four individual course switches are located within a transverse zone which is relatively narrow in the direction of article travel and which is located closely adjacent to the transverse plane of said by-pass members.

20. Apparatus as defined in claim 15 wherein said four individual course switches are located in a transverse plane closely adjacent to the plane of said by-pass members, said second and third sensing switches being located in another transverse plane closely adjacent to and upstream from the transverse plane of said individual course switches, and said first sensing switch being located upstream from and closely adjacent to the transverse plane of the second and third sensing switches.

21. In apparatus of the type described for folding flexible fiatwork laundry articles as they move past a folding zone, automatic control means for the selection of certain of the articles for folding, and for by-passing other articles, including a conveyor for advancing the articles along a path past said folding zone, said conveyor including a first lane and a second lane extending side by side, a pair of by-pass members in said path upstream from said folding zone and disposed transversely in end to end alignment and consisting of a first by-pass member extending across the first lane and a second bypass member extending across the second lane, said bypass members being mounted for movement into or out of said path whereby, when either by-pass member is moved out of its lane, to permit an article to pass on that lane into said folding zone, and, when either by-pass member is moved into said path, to cause an article on that lane to be lay-passed away from said folding zone, each lane being adapted to carry an article not wider than the width of the lane, and both lanes being adapted to simultaneously cooperate in carrying any article having an overlap on both lanes, a sensing zone in said path upstream from said by-pass members, a first motor operatively connected to said first by-pass member to produce movement thereof when the first motor means is energized, a second motor operatively connected to said second by-pass member to produce movement thereof when said second motor is energized, a first sensing switch disposed between said lanes in said sensing zone, and adapted to be operatively intercepted by the leading edge of any article overlying a portion of each said lane, both said motors being operatively responsive to such interception so as to simultaneously move both said bypass members out of by-passing position to permit the article overlying a portion of both said lanes to move into said folding zone, the first said lane being subdivided into a first and a second course, the'second said lane being subdivided into a third and a fourth course, all said courses travelling in a plane, side by, side, each said course being adapted to carry an article not wider than the width of its course, and each pair of courses in a lane being adapted to cooperate in carrying an article having portions thereof overlying at least a portion of courses of each said pair, a second sensing switch disposed in said path between said first and second courses and adapted to be operatively intercepted by the leading edge of any article overlying at least a portion of each of said first and'second courses, a third sensing switch disposed in said path between said third and fourth courses and adapted to be intercepted by the leading edge of any article overlying at least a portion of each of said third and fourth courses, the first said motor being operatively responsive to interception of said second sensing switch whereby to move said first by-pass member out of by-passing position, the second said motor being operatively responsive to interception of said third sensing switch whereby to move said second bypass member out of by-passing position, said first, second, third and fourth courses each having one of respective first, second, third and fourth individual course switches, said first and second individual course switches being independently effective onsaid first motor, as long as said first and second sensing switches are not intercepted, to move said first by-pass member to by-passing position, said third and fourth individual course switches being independently effective on said second motor, as

long as said first and third sensing switches are not intercepted to move said second by-pass member to by-passing position, said first, second, third and fourth courses each having one of respective first, second, third and fourth maintaining switches, each of saidfirst and second maintaining switches being operatively associated with said second sensing switch to maintain the status of said first motor as established by said second sensing switchuntil an article having an overlap on said first and second courses passes the first by-pass member, and each of said third and'fourth maintaining switches being operatively associated with said third sensing switch to maintain the status of said second motor as established by said third sensing switch until an article having an overlap on said third and fourth courses passes the second by-pass member.

22. Apparatus as defined in claim 21 wherein said bypass members are located in a first transverse plane, said four individual course switches and said four maintaining switches are located in a second transverse plane upstream from and closely adjacent to said first plane, said second and third sensing switches are located in a third transverse plane upstream from and closely adjacent to said second plane, and said first sensing switch is located upstream from and closely adjacent to said third plane.

23. Apparatus as defined in claim 22 including, in combination therewith, a fifth maintaining switch located between said lanes, and between said first and second planes and operatively effective on both said motors to maintain said by-pass members in the position established by interception of said first sensing switch as long as said fifth maintaining switch remains intercepted by an article travelling in both lanes.

24. Apparatus as defined in claim 23 including, in combination therewith, manually operatable first and second override switches, said first override switch being operatively effective to render said first and second sensing switches ineffective and to render said first motor operatively responsive to operation of said first override switch by an operator whereby to move said first bypass member out of by-passing position, and said second override switch being operatively effective to render said first and third sensing switches ineffective and to render said second motor operatively responsive to operation of 14 said second override switch by an operator whereby to move said second by-pass member out of by-passing position.

25. In apparatus of the type described for performing an operation on a moving article as it passes an operating zone, automatic control means for the selection of articles for an operation, and the rejection of other articles, dependent on article width, including conveying means for advancing the articles in a path of travel past said operating zone, a by-pass member in said path upstream from said operating zone which, when moved in a first, operating direction, transmits an article through said operating zone and, when moved in a second, bypass direction, causes the article to by-pass said operating zone, said conveying means including a pair of lanes lying side by side, each lane adapted to carry an article not exceeding in width the width of the lane, and both lanes being adapted to cooperate in carrying any article having an overlap on each lane, a sensing zone on said path of travel upstream from said by-pass member, a motor means effective on said by-pass means whereby to move it in one said direction or the other, and sensing means between the two said lanes in said sensing zone and adapted to be intercepted by the leading portion of any article overlying a portion of each said lane, said motor means being operatively responsive to such interception whereby to move said by-pass means in said first direction, said sensing zone being disposed so closely adjacent to said by-pass member that the control of normally-spaced articles following each other in immediate sequence is effected without mutual interference, and a second sensing means also located between said lanes and between the first said sensing means and the by-pass member, and operatively effective on said motor means to maintain said by-pass member in the position established by interception of said first named sensing member as long as said second sensing means remains intercepted during travel of said article therepast.

26. In apparatus of the type described for folding flexible flatwork laundry articles as they move past a folding zone, automatic control means for the selection of certain of the articles for folding, and for by-passing other articles, including a conveyor for advancing the articles along a path past said folding zone, a by-pass member in said path upstream from said folding zone which, when moved in one direction, routes an article into said folding zone and, when moved in asecond direction, by-passes said article past said folding zone, said conveyor including a pair of lanes extending side by side, each lane being adapted to carry an article not wider than the width of the lane, and both lanes being adapted to cooperate in carrying an article having an overlap on each lane, a sensing zone in said path of travel upstream from said by-pass member, a motor operatively connected to said by-pass member whereby to move it to operating or to by-passing position, and sensing means disposed between the two said lanes in' said sensing zone and adapted to be intercepted by the leading edge of any article overlying a portion of each said lane, said motor being operatively responsive to such interception whereby to move said by-pass member to operating position whereby to prevent by-passing of said article, said sensing zone being disposed so closely adjacent to said by-pass member that the control of normally-spaced articles following each other in immediate sequence is effected without mutual interference, and a second sensing means also located between said lanes, and between the first said sensing means and the by-pass member, and operatively effective on said motor to maintain said by-pass member in the position established by interception of said first named sensing means as long as said second sensing means remains intercepted during travel of said article therepast.

27. In apparatus of the type described for folding flexible fiatwork laundry articles as they move past a folding zone, automatic control means for the selection of certain of the articles for folding, and for by-passing other articles, including a conveyor for advancing the articles along a path past said folding zone, said conveyor including a first lane and a second lane extending side by side, a pair of by-pass members in said path upstream from said folding zone and disposed transversely in end to end alignment and consisting of a first bypass member extending across the first lane and a second by-pass member extending across the second lane, said by-pass members being mounted for movement into or out of said path of travel whereby, when either is moved out of its said lane, it permits an article to pass on that lane into said folding zone, and, when either is moved into said path, it causes an article on that path to be by-passed out of and away from said folding zone, each lane being adapted to carry an article not wider than the width of said lane, and both lanes being adapted to simultaneously cooperate in carrying any article having an overlap on both lanes, a sensing zone in said path upstream from said by-pass members, a first motor operatively connected to said first by-pass member to produce movement thereof when the first motor is energized, a second motor operatively connected to said second by-pass member to produce movement thereof when said second motor is energized, and sensing means disposed between said lanes in said sensing zone, and adapted to be intercepted by the leading edge of any article overlying a portion of each said lane, both said motors being operated responsive to such interception whereby to simultaneously move both said by-pass members out of said path whereby to permit the article to move into said folding zone, and a second sensing means also located between said lanes, and between the first said sensing means and the by-pass members, and closely adjacent to said by-pass members and operatively eifective on both said motors to maintain both said by-pass members in the position established by interception of the first said sensing means as long as said second sensing means remains intercepted during travel of said article past said second sensing means.

28. In apparatus of the type described for folding flexible flatwork laundry articles as they move past a folding zone, automatic control means for the selection of certain of the articles for holding, and for by-passing other articles, including a conveyor for advancing the articles along a path past said folding zone, said conveyor including a first lane and a second lane extending side by side, a pair of by-pass members in said path upstream from said folding zone and disposed transversely in end to end alignment and consisting of a first by-pass member extending across the first lane and a second by-pass member extending across the second lane, said by-pass members being mounted for movement into or out of said path of travel whereby, when either is moved out of its said lane, it permits an article to pass on that lane into said folding zone, and, when either is moved into said path, it causes an article on that path to be bypassed out of and away from said folding zone, each lane being adapted to carry an article not wider than the width of said lane, and both lanes being adapted to simultaneously cooperate in carrying any article having an overlap on both lanes, a sensing zone in said path upstream from said by-pass members, a first motor operatively connected to said first by-pass member to produce movement thereof when the first motor is energized, a second motor operatively connected to said second by-pass member to produce movement thereof when said second motor is energized, and sensing means disposed between said lanes in said sensing Zone, and adapted to be intercepted by the leading edge of any article overlying a portion of each said lane, both said motors being operated responsive to such interception whereby to simultaneously move both said by-pass members out of said path whereby to permit the article to move into said folding zone, and manually operatable first and second override means for rendering the said sensing means ineffective and for respectively rendering said first or said second motor operatively responsive to operation of the respective first or second override means by an operator.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,034,040 Johnson Mar. 17, 1936 2,222,076 Kahn Nov. 19, 1940 2,743,921 Spreckelmeier May 1, 1956 

